Californian voters have backed a pre-emptive move to ban official recognition of gay marriages.

Proposition 22 - which calls for a ban on recognising such marriages - was passed by 61%-39%.

Sponsored by Republican state senator Pete Knight, it was the most controversial of 20 propositions on the Super Tuesday presidential primary ballot.

Other measures which won support included a crackdown on juvenile crime and allowing gambling on Indian lands.

Supporters of Proposition 22 said it would protect Californians from the consequences of legal moves in states like Vermont, where legislation for same-sex marriage is forging ahead.

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"As Californians, we are proud of our diversity and tolerance but there are societal boundaries which should be preserved. Tonight we have preserved traditional marriage," Robert Glazier, communications director for the Yes-on-22 campaign, said.

However, the proposition did have its opponents, including the two Democrat candidates in the presidential race, Al Gore and Bill Bradley.

Mr Gore said: "I think it is time to leave people alone because of the way God made them and stop the discrimination."

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Nelson Smith, who has been in a gay relationship for 29 years, expressed his anger at the measure.